Special Report
September 30, 2006

SUSRIS Quarterly Summary
A Review of July-September 2006 Production

This compilation provides a summary of SUSRIS articles, interviews, essays, items of interest and special reports distributed between July 1 and September 30, 2006.

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Doubtful of the US, Saudi Arabia Begins Looking East
Jean-Francois Seznec
September 28, 2006

"..External consequences are also shaking the present world order in the Gulf. Indeed, newly developed industries are no longer dependent on the West. Local investors can buy Western technology and sell to markets in the East. The fear of the US military hegemon is palpable in the Gulf, even among America's "allies." Thus the Saudi government seeks to increase its relations with the country that their business sense tells them is the next economic hegemon: China. The Saudis have been sweet-talking the US with promises of cooperation, but the real tangible activity, both diplomatically and economically, is increasingly with China. The Saudis are more eager to be friends with the lender states, Japan and China, than to actually support a US government that is kept financially afloat by, and thus dependent on, the far eastern powers.."

Regional Ramifications of the Lebanon Ceasefire: 
A Saudi View - Bitterlemons Talks with Nawaf Obaid
September 27, 2006

"..BI: To what extent can the war and ceasefire be seen in terms of strategic regional competition between Iran and Saudi Arabia?

Obaid: Iran has not made secret its desire to extend its influence in countries with a majority Shi'ite population. There are only two, Bahrain and Iraq, but in Lebanon the Shi'ite community constitutes the single largest group.  Initially, Hizballah was branded as victorious, especially after the ceasefire, after holding out to what is considered the might of the Israeli army. But in the mid- to long-term, I think there will be a realization that it is hard to spin this war as victorious, especially with the degree of damage Lebanon has suffered because of Hizballah's action. So in the mid- to long-term, I think the realization will be that the loser was the Lebanese people, and Hizballah will be blamed.."

Saudi Arabia National Day
September 23, 2006

"..In my estimation it should be viewed as an opportunity for introspection as we not only look back at the different stages of nation-building, consolidation and achievement but also look forward to the future and all the concomitant challenges that lie ahead of us. The ability to face these in the coming years will be far tougher and more diverse than we can imagine. However, we have to rise to the occasion and meet them headlong.." He continued, "..As we reflect once again on the National Day we should also be thankful: First to Allah for having blessed us with the Two Holy Mosques of Makkah and Madinah. Then for the decades of security and stability that we have enjoyed. While other nations around the world floundered we kept going on. But as we appreciate the past we also should be concerned about the growing menace of terrorism -- an alien philosophy that has crept into the minds of many of our youngsters. We have to work together to address this issue and eradicate its dangers.."

Boosting US-Saudi Commercial Ties: American Trade Delegation Visit Planned
September 21, 2006

"..The time is ripe for a US delegation to the Kingdom to strengthen the bilateral trade relations between the two countries, Hernandez said, describing the Kingdom as a strong voice in the region.  For the past 30 years we have grown together and this is the time that we need to have person to person dialogue to enhance the relations.."

Building Understanding:
The Role of the MEPC
A Conversation with Chas W. Freeman, Jr.
September 20, 2006

"..The Middle East Policy Council is one of less than a handful of organizations devoted to making the case to Americans that American interests dictate a strong and positive relationship with the Arabs and with Islam generally. Our board is entirely American and our focus is very much on American interests and on helping Americans understand the interests of our diplomatic partners and adversaries in the region.  The Council works in three main areas: a series of policy discussions on Capitol Hill addressing topics that are either neglected or are too awkward politically to get the attention they require on the part of Washington policy community; Middle East Policy which is the premier quarterly journal in the field both in the US and internationally; and, of course, there is the MEPC program of training high school teachers how to teach about Arab civilization and Islam.."

Saudi Arabia's Strategic Energy Initiative
Nawaf Obaid
September 18, 2006

"..As Iran seems likely to flout any United Nation Security Council resolution regarding its uranium enrichment program, sanctions against Tehran could soon become a reality. And even if they aren�t initially applied to the country�s oil exports, they will have a major effect on energy markets, because Iran has threatened to cut oil supplies in retaliation. To confront this challenge -- as well as that from potential disruptions elsewhere -- Saudi Arabia has embarked on a strategic energy initiative with the explicit objective of maintaining enough spare oil capacity to compensate for the loss of oil from two of Opec�s major oil exporting countries.."

The 15th Annual Arab-U.S. Policymakers Conference
US-Saudi Relations, GCC in 
Focus in Washington Oct. 30-31, 2006
September 14, 2006

"..The National Council on US Arab Relations (NCUSAR) will be focusing its attention on Saudi Arabian-United States relations, and the future of the Gulf Cooperation Council at its 2-days of meetings scheduled for October 30-31, 2006 in Washington D.C. The NCUSAR has chosen the theme "Taking Stock of the Saudi Arabian U.S. Relations: Examining the Policy Implications" for its annual conference here on Monday Oct. 30. This will be followed on Tuesday Oct. 31 by a �Forum on the Future of the Gulf Cooperation Council� to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the GCC.."

Scars of 9/11 Show No Sign of Healing
Arab News Team
September 13, 2006

"..The events of Sept. 11, 2001 were, as so many have said, a wake-up call for the United States. Five years after that tragic day, America and the Middle East still look at each other with suspicion and fear. As US missions in Saudi Arabia observed 15 minutes of silence yesterday in commemoration of the victims of 9/11, Saudis in the so-called �Arab Street� were reflecting in their own ways. Most Saudis interviewed by Arab News expressed sorrow for the loss of American lives, but all tempered their sympathies with criticism of both US foreign policy in the Middle East in general, and the reaction to the attacks, specifically.."

Middle East Region at Critical Crossroads
C. David Welch
September 12, 2006

"..The Middle East region stands now at a critical crossroads with profound implications for America's national security. The region is in transition, but to what? With a combined population of some 230 million people -- the vast majority of whom is under age 30 -- the region is confronting challenges of an order of magnitude beyond what we could have envisioned when I was here in 1975. The socialist, secular state machinery that once held such promise has demonstrably failed to keep up with the needs of the people. As the Arab Human Development Reports from 2002 to 2004 have chronicled, huge deficits in the areas of education, economy and politics have resulted, creating vacuums that in some cases, well-organized Islamic organizations have stepped in to fill..."

People Have the Power to Change Policies
Dr. Khaled Batarfi
September 7, 2006

"..I never ceased to be amazed by the power of people-to-people communication. I am also amazed by the power citizens can exercise if well informed on domestic and international affairs, well aware of the game of power, and well trained in the tools of democratic influence.  The Internet, another great American invention, provides us with the tools we need to overcome not only physical obstacles, but also establish mass communication monopolies, such as media. Today, we could know more; work better, faster and more organized to make our voice heard and our wishes respected by states and leaders. Power to the people!"

"Space to Maneuver": King Abdullah�s First Year
A Conversation with Nawaf Obaid
September 4, 2006

"..The highlight of King Abdullah�s first year is what he has done on the domestic front.  The huge amount of oil revenue that Saudi Arabia has received in the last two years has gone into the areas where the country most needed it -- financing the reform movement that he set up as Crown Prince. He has made sure there is funding for social programs, for public services, for education � especially for the reform of education in the areas of curriculum and text books.."

Saudi Arabia's Moment of Redemption?
Afshin Molavi
September 2, 2006

"..Flush with cash from high oil prices, ascendant in its battle with homegrown jihadists, buoyed by a newly robust private sector and entry into the World Trade Organization, and led by a popular, reform-minded king, Saudi Arabia has sputtered to life. After the dark days of the 1990s, marked by stagnation, drift and policy paralysis, the kingdom faces a brighter future. As custodian of Islam's two holiest shrines, Mecca and Medina, and a heavyweight in councils of Islamic states, Saudi Arabia is a natural leader of a Muslim world in tumult. As the kingdom gets its own house in order, it's time it moved to assertively shape a more moderate, prosperous Muslim world.."

The Saudis and Containing Iran in Lebanon
Nawaf Obaid
August 30, 2006

"..With the Lebanon war apparently over, the world can turn its attention to managing the aftermath. And no country in the Middle East is in a better position than Saudi Arabia to play a key role in that effort. How so? The kingdom, with its relatively close relations with Tehran and growing regional authority, can do much to influence Iran, which has armed and funded Hizbullah for years. It will use its economic clout to help finance reconstruction and the international force sent to secure the Israeli-Lebanese border. However, Saudi Arabia can achieve none of these aims if the United States does not push Israel to abide by the cease-fire, fully withdraw its forces, and return all occupied Lebanese lands.."

King Abdullah on Issues of the Day
August 29, 2006

"..The Saudi leader expressed his disappointment at the faltering Middle East peace process. It appeared that the king was seeking a new but concrete and applicable plan for peace in the Middle East. �Situations have changed and the world has now become more ill-defined, making it difficult to have a clear vision.�  King Abdullah urged the big powers to understand the problems of the Arab and Islamic world. �Unfortunately, some world powers do not understand the nature of problems facing Arab and Islamic countries.� He decried the lack of a regional and international vision for protecting the region�s security. In this respect, he cited a lack of interest in pushing forward the Middle East peace process. He said Arab countries had extended their full cooperation to achieve a just and peaceful Middle East settlement.."

�Right Man, Right Place, Right Time�:
King Abdullah�s First Year
A Conversation with Robert Jordan
August 28, 2006

"..King Abdullah is an excellent politician who pays careful attention to his people. His piety and his integrity are so well respected by the people that he enjoys tremendous personal popularity. That personal popularity will allow him to move forward in ways that someone less popular simply couldn�t.. ..Saudi Arabia really does intend to be the center of the Gulf, and one of the major economic forces in the world. It is a credit to King Abdullah who has surrounded himself with wise advisors. Although there are still those who don�t always agree with him, he operates to the best he can by consensus, but when a decision has to be made he seems willing to make it and move forward.."

The Real 'New Middle East'
Afshin Molavi
August 23, 2006

"..Last month, as images of war and carnage in Lebanon filled Arab airwaves, more than 10 million Saudis joined together for a common goal. A massive political protest? No. A petition calling for an end to the fighting? Not that either. A boycott of American goods? No. So, what did 10 million Saudis -- more than half the adult population -- do? They bought stock.  For 10 days Saudis rushed feverishly for a piece of the kingdom's most ambitious development project ever: a $27 billion city that will create a seaport, an industrial district, a financial center, an education and health-care zone, resorts, and a residential area. The kingdom is no stranger to massive infrastructure projects, but there's an interesting twist here: The government won't be financing this one; that task will be up to wealthy Saudi investors, public share offerings and a high-flying Dubai-based property company.."

Dampened Trust?
A Conversation with Nawaf Obaid
August 22, 2006

"..The expectation was that both sides would rein in their respective, if you want, constituencies. That would put an end to it, to put an end to the Israeli attack on Lebanon while beginning to isolate or sideline Hezbollah�s operations there. It actually backfired because one side did do what was needed -- Saudi Arabia came out with strong statements -- and the other side, the Americans, did absolutely nothing. And this is what led to the situation we are in today.. ..If there is any fallout, it is the matter of trust. This episode has really dampened trust toward the Bush Administration. The view creeping up in government circles now is that America can no longer be trusted.."

The Boys of Summer
August 21, 2006

"..After going 0-3 in their pool of the Little League World Championship series of baseball last year the Arabian American Little League team from Dhahran, Saudi Arabia are back in a big way. You would think that Andrew Holden, the five-foot-8, 226-pound, power-hitting third baseman, and Michael Knight, the 6-foot-3, 190 pound pitcher and outfielder were big for Little Leaguers. And you would be right. But then you'd have to consider their teammate, first baseman Andrew Durley. He sports size 19 shoes, which is about right to transport a 6-foot-8, 256 pound frame.  Durley is 13 years old. But the Arabian American team has more going for it than oversized players. The team, whose players' parents are mostly in Gulf area oil industries, has been represented at Williamsport, Pennsylvania every year in the last seven championship series and 12 of the last 13 years.."

The Impact of Lebanon on
US-Saudi Relations
A Conversation with Robert Jordan
August 16, 2006

"..I think for a while the United States is going to be viewed to some degree as a pawn of Israel rather than vice versa. The close alignment of the United States with Israel has been underscored by this episode. My guess is we will see efforts by the United States government to reach out to the Arab and Muslim world to attempt to counteract some of that.  Frankly, I think the United States, the United Nations, and the encouraging role of France have had a tempering impact on Israel�s response and so there ought to be some credit that the United States and Europe get for these efforts. However, from a public relations standpoint there will be a cool period somewhat like what we saw in the spring of 2002 with the second Intifada. My hope is that we can get beyond that as we did with the Intifada, to some degree, later that year.."

An Insight Into Education
Reform in Saudi Arabia
Jamal Khashoggi
August 15, 2006

"There�s a debate inside Saudi Arabia to reform the educational system. You should see some of the writings by Saudis which are harsher than the Freedom House report on our curriculum. I�m sure the tide will eventually will be won over by the reformists to bring about a better education system which will better educate our youth to be more challenging particularly after Saudi Arabia is becoming more and more integrated with the world.."

Strengthening the Relationship: Whose Job?
A Conversation with Chas W. Freeman, Jr.
August 14, 2006

"..we have bottomed out and maybe are making a bit of a comeback. But it comes in the context of a very severe deterioration in the United States� relationships with the Arab and Muslim worlds.. ..US-Saudi relations have always been viewed in the context of broader US-Arab relations. In many ways, as I have reminded those in the Arab world who tend to experience Schadenfraude when they look at the deterioration of US-Saudi relations, Americans really don�t make the same distinctions between Saudis and other Arabs as would be made by the Saudis. If Saudi Arabia is seen negatively that is  something that should be of deep concern to all Arabs and Muslims.."

Region in Crisis:
Saudi Arabia�s critical role in Lebanon
Nawaf Obaid
August 8, 2006

"..After over a decade of bloody conflict, the late Saudi King Fahd organized the Taif Accords in 1989, which ended the civil war in Lebanon. Saudi Arabia then went on to finance much of that country's reconstruction. Could the Kingdom play a similar role today? There is reason to hope that it could, because Saudi Arabia has both the strategic interest and the authority to limit the influence of Iran, which is responsible for much of the current violence. But before this can be accomplished, an immediate cease-fire is needed and U.N. Security Council Resolution 1559 must be fully implemented. Without these steps, the Saudi leadership will not be in a position to push for the disarmament of Hezbollah and a return to peace.."

Saudi Arabia-Turkey State Visit
New Chapter in Relationship?
August 8, 2006

"..In January King Abdullah visited Beijing, the first trip by a Saudi monarch to China, in what President Hu Jintao said would, "write a new chapter of friendly cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in a new century."  That was just one of a host of groundbreaking visits by King Abdullah and Crown Prince Sultan to boost Saudi Arabia's bilateral relations with important new partners, especially in East and South Asia.  Today King Abdullah continues that process when he arrives in Turkey -- the first visit by a Saudi leader in 40 years -- for a three-day state visit to forge what Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al Faisal sees as a new "strategic partnership."  This morning M. Ghazanfar Ali Khan, writing in Arab News, surveyed the Riyadh-Ankara relationship and the King's visit.."

The Middle East Crisis:
Six "Long Wars" and Counting 
Anthony H. Cordesman
August 7, 2006

"The Middle East is never a peaceful place, but even by regional standards, the US faces major problems in virtually every area. Even if one ignores the problems raised by enduring issues like energy, development, demographics, and normal politics and diplomacy, the US and its allies are now directly or indirectly involved in six "long wars":  the war in Iraq; the struggle with Iranian proliferation and �adventures�; the War in Afghanistan and the Problem of Pakistan; the Israeli-Palestinian struggle; the Israeli-Lebanese struggle; the broader war on terrorism.  It is easy lose sight of one or more of these conflicts under the pressure of dealing with the others. It is equally easy to lose sight of the connections between them and the fact they really are �long wars.� Almost regardless of the level of violence involved, all of these conflicts now promise to involve religious, ideological, political, and perceptual struggles that will play out over at least a decade.."

Region in Crisis: Arab News Editorial
Heed the Warnings
August 4, 2006

"..The US and the West have good friends in the Middle East � but for how much longer? Two weeks ago Turkey�s Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul warned that even moderate Turks, angry at US support for Israel�s actions in Lebanon, were becoming anti-American. Yesterday, at the emergency Organization of Islamic Conference meeting in Malaysia on the Lebanese crisis, the warnings were far more urgent. Muslim anger over international �double standard� on the Israeli offensive, OIC Secretary-General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu said, is being transformed into permanent hatred against the aggressors and their �implicit and explicit protectors� (for which read the US).."

Region in Crisis: A Call for American
Leadership and a Lasting Peace
Prince Turki al Faisal 
August 3, 2006

Prince Turki al-Faisal: "..it needs to be recognized clearly that the imperative before the world right now is to achieve peace and stability in a region that is historically unstable. Not just for today, or tomorrow, but for decades to come. We require a sustainable peace. One in which the countries of the region are at peace with themselves and the world � as well as the other way around.  I do not think there is much disagreement on this point.  However, what path we take to achieve this peace requires further deliberation. Robert Frost wrote: �Two roads diverged in a wood, and I � I took the one less traveled by.� The path of aggression is well worn in the Middle East. What if we decide to take the path of peace � the path less traveled? It may make the difference � not just for today, but for tomorrow and the next day.."

Region in Crisis:
Fine Lines and Consequences
A Conversation with Thomas W. Lippman
August 2, 2006

"..The Saudis in their usual fashion are trying to devise a tenable position that will maintain their prestige and respectability without alienating others, without alienating Washington. They are in a very tough position.. ..You know the historical record shows that when the dust settles after any of these events, going back to the �73 war, or even to 1948 when Truman recognized Israel, at the end of the day what has always happened, with a lot of Maalox and a lot of sleepless nights, the [US and Saudi Arabia] recognize their mutual interests in keeping a stable political and economic relationship.."

King Abdullah�s First Year:
A Personal Perspective
John Duke Anthony
August 1, 2006

"..The period since King Abdullah's accession to the position of Custodian of the Two Holy Places has been one of significant change. Overall, the changes have occurred amidst a little appreciated background of considerable constancy whether one is focusing on the domestic environment within the kingdom or on the country�s role in regional and world affairs. Externally, and in the broadest terms, the major areas in which Saudi Arabia�s interests and policies have been affected the most are well known to most SUSRIS readers. They include the international energy situation, major geopolitical tensions related to Israel/Palestine, Iraq, Iran, and most recently Lebanon/Syria, together with the kingdom�s and other countries� ongoing efforts to combat violent extremism. Alongside major accomplishments in most of these categories there have been undeniable disappointments and in some cases significant setbacks in the same categories despite King Abdullah's efforts and those among the country�s friends and allies.."

Region in Crisis:
A Senator Calls for US Leadership
August 1, 2006

"..The United States should engage our Middle East and international partners to revive the Beirut Declaration.. ..In this historic initiative, the Arab world recognized Israel�s right to exist and sought to establish a path toward a two-state solution and broader Arab-Israeli peace.. ..it represented a very significant �starting point� document initiated by Arab countries. Today, we need a new Beirut Declaration-type initiative. We squandered the last one.."

Editorial: U.S. Diplomacy
Arab News 
July 29, 2006

"..The US State Department has taken offense at the claim by Israeli Justice Minister Haim Ramon that Wednesday�s 15-nation emergency meeting in Rome on the situation in Lebanon had, by not demanding an immediate cease-fire, effectively gave Israel the green light to continue its attacks against Hezbollah. That conclusion is �outrageous� says the State Department.  It has good reason to be upset. But not because of the Israeli claim. The real reason for its unusual bitterness is because the evidently ungrateful ally it was trying to help as devious and manipulative has exposed the US, and the US does not like that.  Rarely do we agree with the Israelis, but to the rest of us too it looks exactly as if they were given the green light to continue the bombardments � and they were given it by the US.."  - Arab News

Region in Crisis: US-Saudi Relations
A Conversation with F. Gregory Gause, III
July 28, 2006

"..It seems there are countervailing forces here. One is not wanting to have the Iranians win any kind of diplomatic victory. One is not wanting to see a major regional crisis. One is trying to maintain good relations with the United States. On the other hand you have the pressures of public opinion. Saudi policy has always been a balancing act on any question involving the United States and the Arab-Israeli conflict. I think the first statement was a signal that the Saudis -- along with the Egyptians and the Jordanians -- were willing to pay a price on the public opinion side if the Americans were willing to actively get involved. They wanted to end this crisis -- maybe in a way that would roll back Hizbollah power. But since the Americans weren�t willing to take that step I think the second Saudi statement was saying, 'Okay, we�ve signed off. We are no longer available to give you an Arab cover for diplomatic efforts.'..�

Riyadh Has Run Out of Patience
Daoud Shirian
July 27, 2006

"Saudi Arabia has strongly expressed its disappointment at the attitude of Washington and the international community toward the Israeli aggression against the Lebanese people. A statement issued yesterday by the Saudi Royal Court noted that Riyadh has taken a courageous stand since the beginning of the crisis, holding Hezbollah responsible for triggering the war. Saudi paid no heed to other parties' lip service. It has over the past few days tolerated the criticism of those who regarded the statement as a justification for the aggression, although the first statement was a Saudi bid to take control of a political initiative and to use the essence of the statement as to bargain for a political gain embodied in a ceasefire.."

Saudi Arabia's View on the Crisis in Lebanon
Statement of the Royal Court
July 26, 2006

"The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has carried out its role that is imposed on it by its national and religious duties regarding the situation in the region and the ensuing situation in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories. It cautioned, warned and advised and did not care about one-upmanship. It did not only do this but from the very first strove to halt the aggression and moved on more than one level and used several methods to urge the international community to force Israel to a ceasefire.."

It Is Time the Focus Shifted to the Saudi Peace Plan
Michael Saba
July 25, 2006

"While attending a recent conference in Houston on US Arab relations, I joined a luncheon hosted by a group of prestigious, influential Texas women. They were hosting a luncheon for Dr. Selwa Al-Hazzaa, the chairperson of Friends of Saudi Arabia. One of the women asked me, "Whatever happened to the Saudi Peace Plan? It seemed to make so much sense when it was announced, but we never heard about it again."  This week, I spoke with the same woman. She said, 'If there was ever a time to revive the Saudi Peace Plan, it is now. With the current situation in Lebanon and Palestine, we need a comprehensive peace plan now more than ever. We can�t keep offering these �stop gap� measures.'.."

Region in Crisis: Consultation
President Bush and Saudi Officials in White House Meeting
July 23, 2006

"President Bush and Secretary Rice met for about an hour with Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal and Prince Bandar bin Sultan, the head of the Saudi National Security Council.  The talks were held in private, with no public comments. But after the session, the foreign minister spoke briefly with reporters.  He said he gave President Bush a letter from Saudi King Abdullah calling for an immediate ceasefire. "We requested a ceasefire to allow for the cessation of hostilities that would allow for the building of the forces of Lebanon," he said.  Saud said the primary concern is protecting Lebanon's sovereignty, adding President Bush is well aware of the toll the conflict is taking on the Lebanese people. "I found the president very conscious of the destruction and the bloodshed the Lebanese are suffering and anxiety to see the cessation of hostilities," he said.."

Region in Crisis: Responses

July 19, 2006

"..Saudi Arabia would support a UN-backed stabilization force in Lebanon if approved by the Lebanese government, Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al-Faisal said yesterday.  �We support the Lebanese government affirming control over all of its territory,� said Prince Saud at a press conference at the ministry�s offices in Jeddah.  �The decision of war and peace belongs to the legitimate authorities, not any other party � otherwise there would be chaos,� the prince added.."

Crisis in the Region: Who Is Responsible?

July 18, 2006

"..Saudi Arabia has charged that the crisis unfolding across Lebanon and northern Israel was the responsibility of Hizballah and its backers. On July 14 the Saudi Press Agency quoting "an official source" said a "gravely dangerous situation" was created by "miscalculated adventures carried out by elements inside the state and those behind them." One day later at an emergency session of Arab foreign ministers in Cairo Prince Saud al-Faisal labeled Hizballah's kidnapping of Israeli soldiers -- the act that precipitated the current Israel-Lebanon confrontation -- as 'unexpected, inappropriate and irresponsible'.."

A Force for Peace and Stability
Prince Turki al-Faisal

July 14, 2006

"..Of all the nations in the world, Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are two of the most important when it comes to affecting positive change to the world�s most difficult issues. Indeed, we have come far and done a lot as partners. For our own good and for the good of the world, it is incumbent on our nations to continue to face these challenges together.  As Secretary of State Rice said at the most recent meeting of the Saudi-US Strategic Dialogue, the partnership between the Kingdom and the US is, quote: �A relationship that is critically important not just to the peace and security of the region, but to the peace and security of the world.� This is true.."

Saudi Arabia Gives Tyler County the Power
By F. A. Krift

July 13, 2006

"..Via the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Tyler County received two 150-kilowatt generators late Thursday night. Feeley filled out the proposal, which resulted in the $100,000 donation to the rural county that couldn't otherwise redirect funding for lavish disaster-relief tools.   "I am so tickled," Feeley said of the brand-new generators. "I'm hanging from the ceiling that (the proposal) worked, and they understood what we were trying to do."  But Saudi Arabia?   Seems unusual to some, but the country assisted the Hurricane Katrina-ravaged shrimping industry in Bayou La Batre, Ala., and also donated to Deep East Texas Council of Governments to help rebuild 300 blue-roofed homes to date. According to an Associated Press article, millions of Saudi Arabian dollars have been donated to hurricane victims.."

The Value of A Visa? Priceless
A Conversation with Mohammed H. Al-Qunaibet

July 12, 2006

"..The relationship between the President and the King was, and is, and will be, excellent. The problem is the gatekeepers around them. It's as if they are out of touch with the White House. King Abdullah was the first head of state received twice in Crawford, Texas. It shows that there is a very special relationship. Yet if you try to relate this relationship between the governments with the visa issue for Saudis to travel to the United States, especially compared to other countries, it is unexplainable. A Jordanian can get a visa in 48 hours; for a Saudi it takes six months..."

American and Arab Leaders as Agents of Change
Karen Hughes

July 7, 2006

"..As I travel the Arab world, I hear, as I'm sure all of you do, concern, suspicion, even mistrust of America's motives and some of our policies. Recently, we also witnessed here in America concern, suspicion and mistrust directed at the Arab world. The Dubai Port's matter hit a deep nerve of worry among our population about America's security in our post-9/11 world. Yet as we work to secure our country, as we work to protect our people, I believe it is just as much in our vital national security interest that America remain an open and welcoming country: open to visitors, open to students, open to other cultures, open to ideas and innovation and open to business opportunities.."

US-Arab Economic Forum - Setting the Scene
Abdullah Zainal Alireza

July 7, 2006

"..What�s happening in Saudi Arabia right now is probably the biggest booms that we will ever witness. It�s not like the boom of the 1970s. Then it was cash flow generation. It was people who used to come to Saudi Arabia to be able to make a deal and go back out. There wasn�t development of local industry or investments made.. ..Today there are two important things happening in Saudi Arabia. They are the advent of the private sector and wealth creation through development of a productive base in society. In the case of the former the government has made a conscious decision to bring in the private sector to work with the government in a partnership that will allow it to take the lead and be the driver in the next boom. As a result our economy today is one of the top 25 in the world. It accounts for one fifth of the GDP of the entire Middle East and one quarter of all trade among Arab countries. It generates two thirds of all the aggregate GDP formation within the Gulf Cooperation Council.."